First to the Lord – Preaching
Preaching Outline on 1 Kings 17:13 – “And Elijah said unto him, Fear not: go, do according to thy word: but make me a little cake first, and bring it hither unto me; and afterward thou shalt make for thyself, and for thy son.”
Introduction to I Kings 17:13
A widowed woman in Zarephath was faced with a crucial moment. A prolonged drought was depleting her resources and threatening the survival of her and her son. However, on that day, God sent the prophet Elijah to change the course of her story.
The prophet had brought guidance from the Most High: before thinking of herself, she should trust in the Lord with faith and act by putting God first.
Just like that widow before us, we are often faced with crises and hopelessness, trying to manage our meager possessions. However, the secret of provision lies in the Creator, believing that He supplies all our needs.
Development
“Nothing but a handful of flour”
The human condition without God
The widow’s initial response reveals the nature of man when separated from the Most High: “All I have left is a handful of flour in a little jar and a little oil in a little bottle.” (1 Kings 17:12).
Such is the life of man without God: a limited existence where resources are insufficient, strength is exhausted and hopes fade. Human beings can fight, work and conquer, but everything seems too little to fill the emptiness in their souls.
How many people live like this today? They work tirelessly, accumulate possessions, seek recognition, but continue to miss something essential. The problem doesn’t lie in a lack of resources, but in the lack of a real priority: God.
“I will prepare for me and my son so that we can eat and die”
Hopeless expectations
The widow planned to have her last meal and await death. This represents the human view of life: live and then die.
The world teaches that we should fight fiercely to make ends meet, make the most of every possible pleasure in life and, in the end, leave with nothing. But Jesus taught us something different: “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4).
Those who live only for this world are doomed to frustration and despair. However, those who place their lives in the Lord’s hands find purpose, provision and eternal life.
“The help of the man of God”
A change of mentality
At the widow’s most critical moment, God sent his word through the prophet Elijah:
“Do not be afraid; go and do as you say, but prepare a small cake for me first.”
This request might have seemed selfish, but it actually revealed a profound spiritual principle: when we put God first, he will take care of everything we need.
How often, when faced with difficulties, do we tend to prioritize our own needs, leaving God and his work in the background? We imagine that we need to solve our problems first, and then serve the Lord. However, the way to blessing is the opposite: when we give God the upper hand, He sustains us and blesses us supernaturally.
Nothing is lost – When God is the priority, there is provision
God’s promise to the widow was clear: “The flour in the pot will not run out, and the oil in the cruse will not fail, until the day that the Lord makes it rain on the earth.” (1 Kings 17:14).
Here we discover that when God is placed as our top priority, He guarantees our provision. This doesn’t mean that we won’t face challenges, but it does mean that we will never lack the essentials: His presence, His Word and His daily assistance.
The Bible is full of examples of this principle:
Abraham was blessed when he put God first and didn’t deny his son Isaac. Even though there were difficulties, Abraham trusted in God.
Daniel prospered in the midst of a pagan empire because he remained faithful to the Lord. Many courts tried him, but Daniel’s loyalty to God protected him.
The early church experienced miracles and provision because they prioritized communion and seeking God’s presence. United in prayer, they saw God work powerfully.
The big question we have to ask ourselves is: has God been our top priority?
“A little cake”
What does God ask of us?
Elijah’s request was simple: a small cake. This teaches us that the Lord never demands more than we can offer, but he wants our dedication and faithfulness.
God doesn’t expect us to give him what we don’t have, but he wants us to give him what we do have – no matter how small it may seem.
Life surrendered to the Lord:
Flour – Represents the Word of God. A life founded on Scripture is never lost.
Olive Oil – Represents the Holy Spirit. A life filled with the Holy Spirit is a life of power, direction and spiritual sustenance.
When we unite the Word and the Spirit, we have the basis for a victorious Christian life.
Conclusion of I Kings 17:13
God’s greatest desire is for Him to be our top priority. When we give Him first place, He takes care of every area of our lives.
The widow of Zarephath thought her future was death, but by obeying God’s command and prioritizing him, she experienced a daily miracle.
What really lies at the heart of our daily choices and decisions? In whom or in what do we place our absolute faith and trust?
If we place the Lord as the cornerstone of our lives, we won’t lack our daily bread (His Word of life) or the fuel that powers our journey (the transforming power of the Holy Spirit).
May we walk the path He has laid out for us, trusting in His continuous provision, putting God and His will above all else. It is in Him that we will find true peace and purpose.
Amen!
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